Edexcel Computer Science
IGCSE (9-1), Subject Code: 4CP0
The Edexcel IGCSE (9-1) Computer Science specification will enable students to meet the demands of 21st century employers. The content and assessment approach for this qualification has been designed to meet student needs in the following ways:
Develop computational thinking skills – this qualification provides students with the opportunity to operate confidently in today’s digital world, enabling students to apply computational thinking in context, across both written and practical examinations.
Provide practical opportunities – students will be encouraged repeatedly to design, implement and test programs that provide solutions to problems. They will apply their skills to produce robust programs and this will help them to progress to further/higher education where practical knowledge and experience will be required.
Range of programming languages – we will provide a choice of three programming languages, allowing flexibility for centres and students to make choices that are the most valuable and appropriate for them.
Clear and straightforward question papers – our question papers are clear and accessible for students of all ability ranges and learning styles. Our mark schemes are straightforward and the assessment requirements are clear.
Broad and deep development of students’ skills – the International GCSE is designed to extend students’ knowledge and understanding by broadening and deepening skills. For example students will develop the ability to:
• apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation
• analyse problems in computational terms through practical problem-solving experience. This will include designing, writing and debugging programs
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.
Qualification Aims & Objectives
The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:
• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation
• analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
• understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
• apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.
Assessment overview
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) comprises six topics assessed through two examination papers:
Paper 1 (4CP0/01): Principles of Computer Science, 2 hours
100 marks, 50% of total
• Assessment is through a 2-hour examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
• The paper consists of multiple-choice, short open-response, open-response and extended open-response answer questions.
• The total number of marks available for the examination paper is 80.
• All questions are mandatory.
Paper 2 (4CP0/02): Application of Computational Thinking, 3 hours
100 marks, 50% of total
• Assessment is through a 3-hour practical examination, set and marked by Pearson.
• A choice of three programming languages will be available (Python, C# or Java).
• The paper consists of multiple-choice, short open-response, open-response, extended-open response answer and task-based questions.
• The task-based questions will be carried out using a computer system under supervision. All other questions requiring a written response will be answered in the paper.
• The total number of marks available for the examination paper is 80.
• All questions are mandatory.
• A pseudo code reference document will be available for learners to reference during the assessment.
You can find out more information on the following website: